Chronic pain can take a significant toll on a dog's quality of life. While manageable, chronic pain conditions can be challenging to diagnose. Here, our Mamaroneck vets discuss chronic pain conditions in dogs, their symptoms, and how you can help manage your pooch's pain.
What is chronic pain in dogs?
Dogs with chronic pain often experience a prolonged soreness or discomfort that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. It can occur as a result of various underlying conditions like arthritis, degenerative joint disease, nerve damage, spinal issues, or hip dysplasia. This type of pain significantly impacts a dog's quality of life, leading to changes in behavior, decreased enjoyment of activities, and reduced mobility.
Veterinarians will typically take a multi-faceted approach to managing pain in dogs, using physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical intervention. Your dog's treatment plan should be tailored to their individual needs and underlying condition.
Signs of Chronic Pain in Dogs
If your dog is experiencing chronic pain, you may notice one or more of these signs:
- Lack of enthusiasm for walks, activities, or play
- Decrease in appetite
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Tail lowered or tucked in
- Spending more time sleeping
- Whining or yelping
- Limping
- Irritability
- Overall sad demeanor
Chronic pain can develop gradually, making it hard for even the most doting pet owner to detect signs or symptoms. For this reason, it's important to take your pet to the veterinarian for regular checkups during their lifetime.
These wellness exams allow your vet to monitor your pup's health over time and identify subtle changes that may otherwise be overlooked.
The Causes of Chronic Pain in Dogs
Numerous factors can cause chronic pain in dogs. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common and affects many dogs, especially older ones. This condition can develop due to factors like obesity, aging, genetics, previous injuries, or joint abnormalities.
Other causes of chronic pain in dogs include:
- Dental health problems
- Cancer
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
What are the types of tests used to diagnose chronic pain in dogs?
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from chronic pain, take them to the vet for a comprehensive examination.
Your vet may use the following methods to diagnose your dog's condition:
- Physiologic biomarkers: Biomarkers are physiological indicators that can be assessed with laboratory tests such as urine analysis, imaging studies, and blood tests. Vets often use these biomarkers to diagnose, monitor, and manage a dog's chronic pain. By integrating biomarker analysis with behavioral evaluation and a clinical assessment, veterinarians and pet owners can gain more insight into a dog's chronic pain, leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life for your dog.
- Measurements of gait: This gait assessment is essential for diagnosing and monitoring chronic pain conditions, particularly those affecting the musculoskeletal system. By evaluating the way a dog walks, veterinarians can gain a comprehensive understanding of the gait abnormalities and functional impairments associated with chronic pain in dogs. This facilitates accurate diagnosis and targeted management strategies.
- Multifactorial clinical measurement instruments: Clinical measurement instruments such as pain score systems, quality-of-life assessments, and physical examinations are highly valuable tools for veterinarians. They take into account various dimensions of pain including changes in behavior, physical signs, and functional impairment, which provide a comprehensive understanding of the pain experienced by dogs. These tools enable veterinarians to assess and monitor chronic pain in dogs more comprehensively.
Treatments for Chronic Pain in Dogs
Never give your dog medications formulated for humans. Many medications effective for us can be toxic for dogs. If your dog is diagnosed with a condition resulting in chronic pain, the recommended treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Surgery is generally the best treatment for painful dental conditions such as periodontal disease or the need for tooth extraction.
Chronic pain related to cancer can be treated in several ways, including medications such as Tramadol, NSAIDs such as Metacam, Previcox, Deramaxx, and Rimadyl, or topical medications including lidocaine, benzocaine, cortisone, or dimethyl sulfoxide.
For chronic pain caused by joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, your vet may prescribe a change in diet plus dietary supplements.
Non-drug therapies to help reduce inflammation and soothe joints include cold laser therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or acupuncture. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Galliprant, Rimadyl, Previcox, or Metacam, and painkillers, such as Gabapentin or Tramadol, can also help.
How can cold laser therapy help?
Veterinary cold laser therapy is a relatively new method of treatment for dogs experiencing pain. It is commonly used to help manage pain, inflammation, and wound healing in pets.
The light emitted by these lasers stimulates the cells within the tissues, promoting faster cellular regeneration.
The wavelength of the laser used determines the tissue it can affect. Low-wavelength lasers are typically used to treat areas near and involving the skin, while higher-wavelength lasers focus on deep tissue repair.
Talk to your vet if you'd like to learn more about how veterinary cold laser therapy may benefit your dog.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.